A veteran Tasmanian political cartoonist who drew over 10,000 cartoons across a 30-year career for publications including The Australian, The Saturday Paper, and The Hobart Mercury, earned two Walkley Awards and several Kennedy, Stanley, and News awards.

Beginning his career in Hobart in 1993, he balanced cartoons with pursuits in life drawing, animation, and authoring books, and later served as Photographer at Large for Guardian Australia.

He was celebrated for sharp political satire and a prolific output, with regular work in The Saturday Paper and The Mercury, and a broader influence in Australian media.

His wife Margaret Kudelka announced his passing, saying he died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, and noted the lasting impact of his work on audiences and politicians.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to The Bob Brown Foundation, Canteen Australia, or The Menzies Institute for Medical Research.

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2024, he continued creating art and even showcased new works in a Hobart gallery during treatment.

Family described him as someone who used humor to navigate hard times and who showed up fully for life, leaving a lasting legacy through his art and presence.

Among his notable works, the 2018 Walkley-winning image for The Australian depicted Uluru as an upturned middle finger with the caption Official government Uluru statement response, capturing public sentiment.

Peers hailed him as a national treasure and a GOAT of politics, with his influence spanning caricature, life drawing, animation, and publishing a gallery/studio with his wife.

Jon Kudelka, a Walkley-winning Tasmanian cartoonist, died at 53 in Hobart after a battle with an inoperable brain tumour, with announcements made by his wife.

Tributes poured in from politicians and media figures praising his incisive humor, honesty, and impact on Australian political satire.

In his final reflections, he described political cartooning as demanding but essential, noting that well-crafted cartoons rarely topple governments, a theme he explored in last writings and interviews.